Xerophyte

Habit

Single or clumping, in groups of up to 9 heads.

Central Spines

(0 or) 1 to 3 , terete or elliptic in cross section, pointing in various directions the lower ones brown, the upper ones white1-3 cm long. Generally characteristic unhooked, but some specimens lack central spines or have central spines which are hooked. Often young spines somewhat pubescent.

Seeds

1,5 x 2,5 mm, black.

Description

Sclerocactus glaucusSN|13861]]SN|13861]] (Colorado hookless cactus) is a ball cactus, spines not obscuring the stems.

Roots

Taproots much branched.

Flowers

Beautiful purple or pink, fragrant, wide funnelform or bell-shaped , 4-5 cm in diameter, 3-4(-6) cm long. Stigma pinkish, erect. Stamens with white or green filaments and yellow anthers.

Blooming Season

Summer.

Ribs

(8-)12-13(-15) well defined sometime tuberculous. Tubercles protruding 6-9 mm above the ribs.

Stem

Squat, globular, ovoid or somewhat cylindrical, (3-)4-12(-30) cm tall, 4 to 9 cm in diameter green or powdery blue, like the scientific name.

Radial Spines

6-8 (sometime less), needle like, whitish, 5-17 mm long, similar to the centrals.

Fruits

Barrel shaped, 9-128-30) mm long, 8-12 mm across.

Areoles

With conspicuous nectar glands located above each areole.